Dr Murray McLaughlin of AFMNet looks forward to scientific exchange between Hong Kong and Canada
	Penny Marrett of CHFA says Hong Kong is the platform for so many opportunities

Chinese medicine received a healthy dose of investment, promotion and collaboration with the signing of four memorandums of understanding (MOUs) between Hong Kong and Canadian institutes.

The agreements, covering research and technology transfer, commercialisation and promotion of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), were signed at an event hosted by the Canadian Consulate in Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).

"The MOUs are a milestone in our ongoing efforts of the TDC and our consulate to promote Chinese medicine and health foods," said Francois Rivest, Consul and Senior Trade Commissioner of the Canadian Consulate in Hong Kong.

The MOUs were signed between:

* The Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) and the Modernized Chinese Medicine International Association (MCMIA)

* The CHFA and the Hong Kong Health Food Association (HKHFA)

* Canada's Advanced Foods and Materials Network (AFMNet) and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Institute of Chinese Medicine (HKJCICM)

* Bell Alliance International Inc and Zigen Pharmaceutical Ltd

Global exchange

Dr Murray McLaughlin, AFMNet's Chairman, said of the recent MOU signing. "We have talked a lot about collaboration in the area of herbal and traditional Chinese medicine and we are looking at having exchanges between scientists and graduate students between Hong Kong and Canada."

In conjunction with Canada's Light Sourcing, Dr Murray hopes to apply Synchrotron technology – a form of light beam technology – on animals such as horses and the MOU with the Jockey Club would offer tremendous possibilities in this area, he said.

President and CEO of CHFA, Penny Marrett, said that the MOUs would help forge stronger relationships between the various parties. "Hong Kong is the platform for so many opportunities and for our members having the opportunity to enter new markets outside Canada is really important."

She added that scientists globally would benefit from Hong Kong's research into TCM, and its experience of quality control. "We want to ensure that the high standards are not only for Canadians, but for everyone around the world, and Hong Kong will provide that."

The commercial MOU between Bell Alliance and Zigen creates a long term partnership between the two parties, particularly in the development of international markets for health products, according to both companies.

Managing Director of Zigen Pharmaceuticals Ltd Albert Wong said their company is introducing traditional medicine formulations and active ingredients to Canada and positioning them as pharmaceuticals and natural health products which are legally recognised as drugs in Canada, rather than health foods or dietary supplements.

"We hope to leverage on our success in Canada to introduce these products to other countries around the world," Mr Wong added. 

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